My disagreements with the Bush policies parallel those of Rudy Giuliani. His new Foreign Affairs article, "Toward a Realistic Peace," breaks dramatically with current policies on a number of issues, and especially vis-à-vis the Arab-Israeli conflict:
Too much emphasis has been placed on brokering negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians – negotiations that bring up the same issues again and again. It is not in the interest of the United States, at a time when it is being threatened by Islamist terrorists, to assist the creation of another state that will support terrorism. Palestinian statehood will have to be earned through sustained good governance, a clear commitment to fighting terrorism, and a willingness to live in peace with Israel.
Giuliani's disinclination toward yet more Arab-Israeli negotiations and his rejection of a Palestinian state till the distant future contrast directly with current U.S. government policies. Add his advocacy of Israeli membership in NATO, and the outlines of a substantially different approach emerges.
This reflects a more general pattern, where Giuliani offers a vision distinct from George W. Bush, whether it be a more liberal approach to social matters, emphasizing the need for school choice, or adopting a stricter attitude toward spending. (September 1, 2007)
